CN101939051A

CN101939051A - Method and apparatus for phrenic stimulation detection

Info

Publication number: CN101939051A
Application number: CN2009801046067A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·J·布鲁克
Original assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers Inc
Current assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers Inc
Priority date: 2008-02-14
Filing date: 2009-02-10
Publication date: 2011-01-05
Anticipated expiration: 2029-02-10
Also published as: US8996112B2; EP2254661A1; US20150190642A1; AU2009214920B2; JP5276119B2; US8649866B2; US9555253B2; EP2254661B1; AU2009214920A1; CN101939051B; US20090210024A1; US20140128933A1; US9352160B2; WO2009102726A1; US20160250479A1; JP2011510713A

Abstract

Approaches for characterizing a phrenic stimulation threshold, a cardiac capture threshold, a maximum device parameter, and a minimum device parameter are described. A plurality of cardiac pacing pulses can be delivered by using a cardiac pacing device, a pacing parameter of the plurality of cardiac pacing pulses being changed between delivery of at least some of the pulses. One or more sensor signals can be evaluated to detect stimulation of the phrenic nerve by one or more of the plurality of cardiac pacing pluses. The evaluation of the one or more sensor signals and the pacing parameter can be compared to determine if a phrenic stimulation threshold is at least one of higher than a maximum device parameter and lower than a minimum device parameter.

Description

Be used for diaphragm and stimulate the method and apparatus that detects

Technical field

The present invention mainly relates to heart equipment and method, and relates to the sign of catching with diaphragm stimulus threshold and device parameter particularly.

Background technology

When operate as normal, heart produces rhythm and pace of moving things contraction and can pump blood spread all over health.Heart all has special pathway in atrium and ventricle, it is implemented in the excitation of conducting rapidly in the whole cardiac muscle from the startup of antrum (SA) knot and impacts (being depolarization).These special pathways conduct from the depolarization of SA knot to myocardium of atrium, to atrioventricular node with to myocardium of ventricle and shrink with the coordination that produces two atrium and two ventricles.

The contraction of the pathway myofibrillar contraction of each chamber synchronously and each atrium or ventricle and the contraction of relative atrium or ventricle.Do not have that the special pathway of operate as normal gives synchronously, the pumping efficiency of heart greatly weakens.Showing the heart that the patient of the pathology of these pathways may suffer to be jeopardized exports.

Having developed to one or more heart chamber provides pacing stimulation to attempt to improve the rhythm and pace of moving things of atrium and/or ventricular systole and heart rate management (CRM) equipment of coordination.CRM equipment generally includes and is used for the circuit and the impulse generator that be used for to heart provide electricity irritation of sensing from the signal of heart.Extend in patient's the heart chamber and/or the lead-in wire in the blood vessel of heart is coupled to as bottom electrode, the signal of telecommunication of these electrode senses hearts and according to being used for the treatment of arrhythmia and nonsynchronous various physical therapy is sent stimulation to heart.

Pacemaker is to send the CRM equipment of a series of mental retardation pacemaker impulses, and these pulses are timed to accessory heart and produce the contraction rhythm and pace of moving things of keeping the heart pumping efficiency.Pacemaker impulse can be intermittence or successive according to patient's needs.Exist and have the multiclass pacemaker equipment that is used for one or more heart chamber is carried out the various patterns of sensing and pace-making.

Pacemaker impulse must surpass minimum energy value or acquisition threshold with " catching " heart tissue, thereby generates the following reaction of bringing out, and this reaction generates the propagation depolarization wave that makes the heart chamber contraction.If the pacemaker impulse energy is too low, then pacemaker impulse may produce contractile response unreliablely and may cause cardiac function or heart output are not had the invalid pace-making that improves in heart chamber.

Even pulse energy is not enough to catch heart tissue, pacemaker impulse still may by mistake excite nerve or muscle.For example, the pacemaker impulse of sending may stimulate stretching of patient and make the active phrenic nerves of diaphragm near heart.

The invention provides the method and system that uses diaphragm stimulation algorithm and the various advantages that are better than prior art are provided.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to and be used for stimulating algorithm to be used to characterize the mode of catching diaphragm with diaphragm stimulus threshold and device parameter.One embodiment of the present of invention relate to a kind of method of using cardiac pacing equipment to send a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses that comprises, the pacing parameter of a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses changes between the sending of pulse.Parameter can for example be pacemaker impulse amplitude or width.This method embodiment also comprises the one or more sensor signal of assessment detecting one or more cardiac pacing pulse in a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses to the activation of phrenic nerves, and to the assessment of one or more sensor signal and pacing parameter compare with determine the phrenic nerves activation threshold whether be higher than the maximum device parameter be lower than in the minimum device parameter at least one.The heart acquisition threshold can be the detected unpolarized minimum pacemaker impulse amplitude that causes in the target heart tissue.The maximum device parameter can be the Breadth Maximum of the cardiac pacing equipment pacemaker impulse that is programmed to send.Minimum device parameter can be the minimum widith of the cardiac pacing equipment pacemaker impulse that is programmed to send.

Another embodiment relates to a kind of heart rate management system, and this system comprises the implantable cardiac pace-making equipment with a plurality of electrodes.This implantable cardiac pace-making equipment can comprise: circuit is configured to export a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses and revise one or more pacing parameters of a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses by electrode; One or more sensor is configured to one or more pacemaker impulse in a plurality of pacemaker impulses of sensing to the activation of phrenic nerves, and activates based on the phrenic nerves of sensing one or more signal is provided; Controller, be configured to the instruction of program stored in the execute store so that system to one or more signal and one or more pacing parameter compare with determine the phrenic nerves activation threshold whether be higher than maximum cardiac pacing device parameter be lower than in the minimum cardiac pacing device parameter at least one, and determine to come stored information based on this.

Another embodiment relates to a kind of heart rate management system, and this system comprises the implantable cardiac pace-making equipment with a plurality of electrodes.This implantable cardiac pace-making equipment can comprise: circuit is configured to export a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses and revise one or more pacing parameters of a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses by a plurality of electrodes; One or more sensor is configured to one or more pacemaker impulse in a plurality of pacemaker impulses of sensing to the activation of phrenic nerves, and activates based on the phrenic nerves of sensing one or more signal is provided; Be used for the assessment of one or more sensor signal and one or more pacing parameter are compared to determine that whether the phrenic nerves activation threshold is at least one the device that is higher than maximum programming device parameter and is lower than minimum programming device parameter.

Foregoing invention content of the present invention is not intended as describes various embodiments of the present invention or every kind of embodiment.By reference and the bonded hereinafter specific embodiment of accompanying drawing and claims, advantage of the present invention and effect and more complete understanding will become clear and be understood.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the flow chart that illustrates according to the method that is used for characterization device parameter limit, acquisition threshold and diaphragm stimulus threshold of the embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is the block diagram according to the circuit system of the embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 is the figure that illustrates according to patient's external equipment that user interface is provided of the embodiment of the invention, and this user interface allows human analyst and information interaction and implantable medical equipment is programmed;

Fig. 4 is the physiotherapy equipment that can implement the circuit of combination of electrodes selection technology according to comprising of the embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 is the flow chart that illustrates according to the method for the estimation threshold value of the embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 is the curve chart that illustrates the various aspects of intensity-persistent period pacemaker impulse parameter according to the embodiment of the invention and device-restrictive curve;

Fig. 7 is that the use that illustrates according to the embodiment of the invention progressively increases the flow chart that scanning technique is come the method for characterization device parameter limit, acquisition threshold and diaphragm stimulus threshold;

Fig. 8 illustrates according to the use of the embodiment of the invention progressively to lower the flow chart that scanning technique is come the method for characterization device parameter limit, acquisition threshold and diaphragm stimulus threshold; And

Fig. 9 illustrates according to the use of the embodiment of the invention progressively to lower the flow chart that scanning technique characterizes the method for acquisition threshold and diaphragm stimulus threshold.

Although the present invention can have various modifications and alternative form, illustrate by example in the accompanying drawings and hereinafter will describe its details in detail.Yet, be not to make the present invention be limited to the specific embodiment of description with understanding original idea.Just the opposite, the present invention is intended to contain and falls into as all modifications in the scope of the invention that is limited by appended claims, equivalence and alternate embodiment.

The specific embodiment

With reference to accompanying drawing, these accompanying drawings form the part of this description and by example the various embodiment that can implement the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings in the hereinafter description of illustrated embodiment.Can utilize other embodiment with understanding and can carry out the change on the 26S Proteasome Structure and Function and do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

Can comprise one or more feature described herein, structure, method or its combination according to system of the present invention, equipment or method.For example, equipment or system may be embodied to and comprise one or more favorable characteristics described below and/or process.Originally be intended to such equipment or system and need not to comprise all features described herein, comprise the selected feature that useful structure and/or function are provided but may be embodied to.Such equipment or system may be embodied to provides multiple treatment or diagnostic function.

Kind implantable cardiac supervision widely and/or stimulation apparatus can be configured to implement diaphragm of the present invention stimulates algorithm.The nonrestrictive representational tabulation of such equipment comprises cardiac monitor, pacemaker, cardiovertor, removes the heart fibrillation device, resynchronizer and other cardiac monitorings and physical therapy delivery device.These equipment can dispose multiple arrangement of electrodes, these arrangement of electrodes comprise in vein, heart and epicardial lead (promptly, electrode in the thorax) electrode and/or in subcutaneous, the non-thorax (comprise jar, head and silent electrode and subcutaneous array or lead-in wire electrode (that is electrode in the non-thorax)).

The biventricular pace-making provides the physical therapy option for the patient who suffers heart failure.Yet, in the biventricular pacing system, place the left ventricle lead-in wire and suffered new challenge via coronary sinus.Because Coronary vein and phrenic nerves are contiguous, so left ventricular pacing may cause diaphragm nerve stimulation.Phrenic nerves makes the diaphragm activity, thereby the stimulation of phrenic nerves may make patient experience have the hiccups.The electricity irritation of phrenic nerves may allow the patient do not feel like oneself, and may disturb breathing.Therefore, stimulate from the diaphragm of cardiac pacing and the patient is showed periodicly along with left ventricular pacing make us uncomfortable breathing pattern.

Can determine that as the intake of food in the morning and vomitting in the evening stimulus threshold phrenic nerves will be stimulated by pacemaker impulse when this threshold value is above.A kind of method that is used for determining the diaphragm stimulus threshold comprises that periodic phrenic nerves activates and/or diaphragm moves sensing along with sending of pacemaker impulse.Stimulate if use the power levels of sending not sense diaphragm, then can stimulate until sensing diaphragm at sending electric energy and monitoring that the follow-up test that diaphragm stimulates increases energy level iteratively.Power levels when detecting the diaphragm stimulation can be the diaphragm stimulus threshold.In certain embodiments, can reduce or otherwise regulate power levels, stimulate until detecting diaphragm.The energy of sending in such scan period also can be used for carrying out other tests simultaneously, such as the code acquisition threshold value.

Be incorporated into this 6th quoting by corresponding integral body separately, 772, No. 008 United States Patent (USP)s and the publication number of submitting on April 26th, 2005 are to disclose in 20060241711 the patent application can be incorporated into being used in the embodiment of the invention and assess the method that diaphragm stimulates.

It is not unidimensional programming to avoid non-required stimulation such as diaphragm to stimulate to pace-making equipment, because many other factors may be important when suitable pacing parameter is set.For example, pacemaker impulse must surpass minimum energy value or acquisition threshold is shunk with the expectation that produces heart tissue.Wish that pacemaker impulse has abundant energy and do not consume the energy that obviously surpasses acquisition threshold with catching of cardiac stimulus.Therefore, acquisition threshold accurately determines to provide efficient pace-making energy management.If the pacemaker impulse energy is low excessively, then pacemaker impulse may produce contractile response unreliablely and may cause invalid pace-making in heart.

Except additive method, can also use following progressively attenuating technology to determine acquisition threshold, in this technology, identify acquisition threshold when catching when after pace-making circulates continuously, detecting to lose.Also can use the following technology that progressively increases, in this technology, after the continuous pace-making circulation of catching, detect and identify acquisition threshold when catching in nothing.Can use Electrocardiographic showing to estimate that heart reaction properties (for example, QRS complex wave) detects and catches.

Acquisition Detection allows energy level that the heart rate management system regulates pacemaker impulse with corresponding to producing the optimum energy consumption of shrinking reliably.In addition, no matter when pacemaker impulse produces contraction just in more high level startup support pulse to Acquisition Detection permission heart rate management system.For example, embodiments of the invention can characterize catches with the diaphragm stimulus threshold and sends its energy level than being arranged on acquisition threshold or the higher support pulse of standard pace-making energy level more than acquisition threshold, and this energy level of supporting pulse is below the diaphragm stimulus threshold.

Pace-making equipment can have pacing parameter restriction, such as the programming restriction with to the restriction of capacity of equipment.For example, the pacemaker impulse that can programme and be no more than designated magnitude implantable pace-making equipment only to send.Other programming restrictions can also comprise minimum pulse amplitude, minimum pulse duration, maximum impulse persistent period, minimum pulse frequency, maximum impulse frequency, minimum pulse electric current and/or maximum surge current except other parameters.Can with these and other parameter limit equipment be programmed by For several reasons.For example, can have may be to the adventurous pulse amplitude of patient (such as in acquisition mode automatically) to prevent that equipment from selecting to the programming restriction of amplitude for the equipment that is programmed for automatic selection pacemaker impulse amplitude.In addition, can programme to avoid the operation adjusting of the equipment that may be harmful in to equipment with parameter limit.

When implanting pace-making equipment, human analyst such as doctor can set up initial acquisition and diaphragm nerve stimulation threshold value.Determine that based on those initial threshold the analyst can programme to equipment with following parameter area restriction, the automation equipment feature can operation in these restrictions.Under the situation of pulse amplitude, the doctor can be provided with minima more than the acquisition threshold and the following voltage range of maximum below the diaphragm stimulus threshold, catches feature automatically and can operate in this scope.Maximum and minima can have margin of safety separately, thus the scope between the parameter minimum/maximum be less than catching and the diaphragm stimulus threshold between scope.If the arbitrary threshold value in acquisition threshold and these threshold values of diaphragm stimulus threshold changes in time, then margin of safety provides and prevents that automatic acquisition procedure is below acquisition threshold or in some protections of the above pace-making of diaphragm stimulus threshold.

Equipment also can have the capabilities limits with the hardware context of equipment.For example, even the programming restriction is not set in the operation of pace-making equipment, equipment can also have the restriction about minimum pulse amplitude, maximum impulse amplitude, minimum pulse duration, maximum impulse persistent period, minimum pulse frequency, maximum impulse frequency, minimum pulse electric current and maximum surge current except other parameters.The capacity of equipment restriction can relate to the performance limitations of the parts (for example capacitor and battery) that are used for constitution equipment.

In the multi-electrode pacing system, a plurality of pacing electrodes can be arranged in the single heart chamber, in a plurality of heart chamber and/or the other places in the patient's body.The electrode that is used to send pacemaker impulse can comprise one or more cathode electrode and one or more anode electrode.Send pacemaker impulse via the cathode/anode combination of electrodes, wherein term " combination of electrodes " shows at least one cathode electrode of use and at least one anode electrode.Combination of electrodes can relate to more than two electrodes, when being used as negative electrode such as a plurality of electrodes that are used as anode and/or electrical connection when a plurality of electrodes that are electrically connected.Usually, send pace-making energy via one or more cathode electrode to heart tissue at one or more pace-making position, and provide return path via one or more anode electrode.If heart is caught, then the energy that injects at the cathode electrode position produces and can make up to trigger the propagation depolarization wave front of myocardial contraction with other depolarization wave fronts.Send the negative electrode of pace-making energy and the pace-making vector that the anode electrode combination is defined for pace-making.

Can in single heart chamber, apply pacemaker impulse to improve the pump action of contractility and enhancing heart chamber in the timing sequence during cardiac cycle by a plurality of electrodes (that is the pace-making vector that limits by various combination of electrodes).Each pacemaker impulse that hope is sent via a plurality of combination of electrodes is caught the heart tissue contiguous with cathode electrode.The catching of heart tissue also depends on except other factors and is used for the vector and the various pulse parameter of delivery of pulses, such as the amplitude and the persistent period of pulse.

The stimulus quality of pace-making physical therapy depends on many factors, and these factors also comprise distance between electrodes, and the adjacency of destination organization, and are subject to adjacency, contraction and the resistance between the types of organization between the electrode, impedance between electrodes, electrode and the electrode type of the non-destination organization that non-expectation stimulates except other factors.Such factor can influence heart and catch and the diaphragm stimulus threshold.Stimulus quality can also change along with psychology except other factors, electrode migration, physical activity level, humoral chemistry, hydration and morbid state and change.Therefore, the stimulus quality that is used for each combination of electrodes is unique and can changes in time.Like this, determining stimulus quality (for example, heart is caught and the diaphragm stimulus threshold) termly for each combination of electrodes can be useful in the hope of best pace-making (for example, in the heart acquisition threshold or be higher than the heart acquisition threshold just and do not cause the pace-making of non-required stimulation).

Equipment is programmed, reprogramming and/or when operation consider that about various threshold values (for example, diaphragm stimulates, heart catch) the device parameter restriction can be useful.For example, if known diaphragm stimulus threshold limits greater than the device pulse amplitude, then equipment can need not to consider that diaphragm stimulates when scanning with renewal heart acquisition threshold.In addition, if known diaphragm stimulus threshold is higher than the programming device restriction, then the scanning of the progressively increasing degree of acquisition procedure can use bigger parameter increase to help faster definite heart acquisition threshold automatically.Progressively lowering in the scan pattern, be limited in diaphragm stimulus threshold above (for example equipment can not the delivery of pulses width stimulate the pacemaker impulse of phrenic nerves) if determine the equipment minimum parameter, then equipment can the alarm notification doctor and/or execution reconfigure.

Equipment of the present invention can help to use various diaphragms to stimulate algorithm to characterize the pace-making configuration.Equipment can also be determined the relation between device parameter restriction, acquisition threshold and/or the diaphragm stimulus threshold except other aspects.If the change of one or more threshold value can change the relation between program parameters restriction and one or more threshold value, then embodiment can notify the doctor and/or take some other actions.For example, make threshold value be lower than programming pacing parameter restriction (wherein before the diaphragm stimulus threshold is higher than the maximum parameter limit of programmed range) if the diaphragm stimulus threshold changes, then can notify doctor and/or (equipment itself or another system) can be equipment reprogramming automatically.

The flowchart illustrations of Fig. 1 be used to use diaphragm to stimulate the process of algorithm.This process comprises sends the parameter that 110 cardiac pacing pulses change pacemaker impulse simultaneously iteratively.The parameter of Gai Bianing can also be one or more in pulse amplitude, width, frequency and the electric current except other parameters iteratively.Parameter change can be to increase or reduce.In this way, can scan at each parameter in one or more parameter with investigation the physiological reaction to the small part of available parameter spectrum (for example, catch, diaphragm stimulate).

Assessing the diaphragm that 120 sensor signal send with detection due to 110 the cardiac pacing pulse stimulates.Method disclosed herein can detect diaphragm to stimulate.In one embodiment, following accelerometer's signals can detect diaphragm to stimulate, and this signal indicating soon chest after sending 110 pacemaker impulses moves (that for example, brings out has the hiccups).The departing from of the short persistent period of amplitude that also can be by detecting transthoracic impedance signal detected diaphragm to stimulate.

Can be to comparing 130 to determine also except other aspects whether the diaphragm stimulus threshold is higher than maximum programming device parameter, is lower than minimum programming device parameter and/or is lower than the heart acquisition threshold with the 110 relevant information of sending that are used to detect assessment 120 that diaphragm stimulates and pacemaker impulse.

For example, even send pacemaker impulse if be provided with the maximum programming amplitude that is used for pace-making equipment, but assess 120 do not detect with send 110 pacemaker impulse in the corresponding diaphragm of any pacemaker impulse stimulate, then can identify the maximum programming range parameter of diaphragm stimulus threshold greater than equipment.In addition, can also determine the maximum programming pulse width parameter of diaphragm boost pulse width threshold value greater than equipment.Also can be at other parameter identification similarity relations disclosed herein.

Progressively lower the process that iterative parameter shifts gears application drawing 1 if use, then can identify the diaphragm stimulus threshold at the programming minimum radius of equipment and/or below the pulse width parameter.According to the process of Fig. 1 progressively lower scanning also can identify acquisition threshold in the minimum programming amplitude of equipment and/or below the pulse width parameter, the diaphragm stimulus threshold greater than the heart acquisition threshold and/or diaphragm stimulates and the heart acquisition threshold in one or two below maximum programming device parameter.

In certain embodiments, equipment can be only in its following program parameters scope interscan, and this scope allows the operation particular procedure, such as catching automatically.Such embodiment make test minimum and guarantee simultaneously threshold value as yet drift advance in the programmed range of automation process.

In certain embodiments, equipment can scan beyond its following program parameters scope, and particular procedure is allowed to operation in this scope.Such embodiment allows equipment and/or doctor's recognition threshold when to change with respect to the program parameters restriction and takes suitable action.For example, acquisition threshold has reduced and from further drift of minimum program parameters restriction, then can use lower minimum parameter restriction to the equipment reprogramming if identify, and this can save battery life.If the diaphragm stimulus threshold reduces, then can be present between diaphragm stimulus threshold and the restriction of maximum program parameters to guarantee margin of safety the equipment reprogramming with lower maximum parameter limit.

Based on the relation between diaphragm stimulus threshold, acquisition threshold and various programming pulse parameter limit of sign, can notify the doctor need be to the equipment reprogramming.For example, increase in time if determine acquisition threshold, then embodiments of the invention can help to notify doctor's acquisition threshold to increase and near the minimum programming pulse range parameter (wherein scanning) of equipment beyond the program parameters restriction.Under these circumstances, the doctor can be by increasing the pulse parameter restriction reprogramming of minimum programming pulse parameter to equipment.The doctor can further increase maximum programming pulse parameter allowing the automation function of equipment, such as acquisition procedure automatically, sufficient transmutability when changing parameter.Replace, equipment can be programmed to revise the program parameters restriction in response to the relation of the change between diaphragm stimulus threshold, acquisition threshold and various programming pulse parameter limit that identifies to the itself reprogramming or by another system.

Can automatically carry out various steps and other steps disclosed herein of Fig. 1, thereby need not directly artificial auxiliary (for example, doctor and/or patient) to start or to carry out various discrete steps.Replace, thereby the various steps that can semi-automatically carry out present disclosure require the human interaction of some quantity to start or to carry out one or more step.。

Fig. 2 is the block diagram according to the CRM equipment 200 of the circuit that can incorporate utilization diaphragm stimulation algorithm into of the embodiment of the invention.CRM equipment 200 comprises pace-making physical therapy circuit 230 from pacemaker impulse to heart that send.CRM equipment 200 can comprise alternatively be configured to heart send high energy go heart fibrillation or cardioversion to stimulate in case stop dangerous tachycardias remove heart fibrillation/cardioversion circuit 235.

Send pacemaker impulse via a plurality of heart electrodes 205 (combination of electrodes) that except other positions, can also in heart, be arranged at a plurality of positions.Two or more multi-electrode can be arranged in the single heart chamber.Electrode 205 is coupled to switch matrix 225 circuit, and this circuit is used for the electrode 205 of various pace-makings configuration is coupled to selectively the miscellaneous part of signal processor 201 and/or CRM equipment 200.

CRM equipment comprises that also diaphragm stimulates sensor 210.Diaphragm stimulation sensor 210 can be to signal processor 201 and processor controls 240 output signals and/or other information.Diaphragm stimulates sensor 210 can comprise accelerometer, signal of telecommunication sensing device (for example, EMG, impedance), pressure sensor, acoustics sensor and/or can participate in detecting any other sensor that diaphragm stimulates.Can use the discrete sensing device or implement diaphragm and stimulate sensor 210 via the software that the processor (for example, processor controls 240) of FRM equipment is carried out.

Processor controls 240 can use the information that stimulates sensor 210, memorizer 245 and miscellaneous part to receive from signal processor 201, diaphragm to stimulate algorithm with enforcement as diaphragm disclosed herein.

For example, pace-making physical therapy circuit 230 can provide and when send the information of the relating to parameters of pacemaker impulse and this pacemaker impulse, diaphragm stimulates sensor 210 can provide with the diaphragm of sensing and stimulates relevant information, and signal processor can provide the information relevant with catching of heart.This information can also be used to except other aspects determining whether the diaphragm stimulus threshold is higher than the maximum device parameter, is lower than minimum device parameter and/or is lower than the heart acquisition threshold.

The amplitude of the pulse of sending, peak value regularly and/or the dependency that stimulates with diaphragm (heart beating to heart beating and/or in time) can be used for determining whether one or more pacemaker impulse causes the diaphragm stimulation with the diaphragm stimulus signal in time domain or the frequency domain.

CRM equipment 200 generally includes the battery supply (not shown) and is used for telecommunication circuit 250 with external equipment programmable device 260 or other patient's external device communications.Can be between device programming device 260 and the case control's server 270, transmitting such as information such as data, parameter information, assessment, comparison, data and/or programmed instruction between CRM equipment 200 and the device programming device 260 and/or between CRM equipment 200 and case control's server 270 and/or other external systems.In certain embodiments, processor 240, memorizer 245 and/or signal processor 201 can be the parts of device programming device 260, case control's server 270 and/or other patient's external systems.

CRM equipment 200 also comprises by instructing and/or memory of data 245 with the stores executable programs that is used for by processor controls 240 accesses.In various configurations, memorizer 245 can be used for storing and relevant information such as threshold value, parameter, parameter limit, measured value, programmed instruction.

The circuit of representing among Fig. 2 can be used for realizing the whole bag of tricks discussed here and technology.Memorizer 245 can be with computer program, software, firmware, computer executable instructions, can be encoded with the computer-readable medium by circuit such as processor controls 240 execution by the instruction of execution such as computer.For example, memorizer 245 can be the computer-readable medium of storage computation machine program, and the execution of 240 pairs of these computer programs of processor controls causes that or the whole bag of tricks quoted known according to present disclosure and technology send by the pacemaker impulse of pace-making physical therapy circuit guiding, stimulate sensor 210 and/or signal processor 201 to receive one or more signals with identification and be based upon relation between device parameter restriction, acquisition threshold and the diaphragm stimulus threshold from diaphragm according to embodiments of the invention.Can use the circuit of representing among Fig. 2 to carry out additive method discussed here and technology in a similar manner.

Fig. 3 illustrates that to provide the patient of following user interface external equipment 300, this user interface to be configured to the armarium that allows human analyst such as doctor or patient and implantation mutual.Method of the present invention patient's external equipment 300 is described as the CRM programmable device, although also can go up operation at the equipment of other types (such as portable telephone equipment, computer, PDA or the patient information server that uses in conjunction with remote system).Programmable device 300 is included in and is positioned near the implant site of equipment of implantation on the patient's body with the programming of setting up telemetry link between CRM and programmable device 300 310.Telemetry link allows to download the data of being collected by implantable devices to programmable device 300.Data downloaded is stored in the programmable device memorizer 365.In certain embodiments, can between implantable devices and external equipment, set up communication link, thereby implantable devices need not relative near adjacency to help to transmit data, order, instruction and other information with external equipment via radio frequency.

Programmable device 300 comprises can display graphics, the display screen for graphic presentation 320 of alphanumeric symbol and/or other information, for example LCD display.For example, programmable device 300 can be with pictorial display and the relevant information of downloading from CMR of pacing parameter, device-restrictive, sensitive information and threshold value on screen 320.Display screen 320 can comprise and touches quick ability, thereby the user can come input information or order by the finger touch display screen 320 with stylus 330 or user.Replace or in addition, the user can be via keyboard 340 or mouse 350 input informations or order.

Programmable device 300 comprises data processor 360, and this data processor comprises that memorizer 365 program stored that are used for using programmable device 300 instruct software and/or the hardware of realizing method disclosed herein.In one embodiment, receive and memorizer 365, store sensed data from CMR via the telecommunication circuit 366 of programmable device 300.The following sensed data of data processor 360 assessments, these data can comprise the information relevant with pacing parameter, device-restrictive and threshold value.Data processor 360 also can carry out additive method step discussed here, and these method steps also comprise the assessment signal except the additive method step, detect diaphragm stimulates and pacing parameter, device-restrictive and threshold value are compared.Can present pacing parameter, device-restrictive, program parameters restriction and threshold value and other information to the user via display screen 320.Can show that the notice relevant with the diaphragm stimulus threshold with equipment pacemaker impulse parameter limit, acquisition threshold check for human analyst by using display screen 320.

400 utilizations of physiotherapy equipment shown in Fig. 4 can be implemented the circuit that diaphragm described herein stimulates algorithmic technique.Physiotherapy equipment 400 comprises the CRM circuit of enclosing in the implantable shell 401.The CRM circuit is electrically coupled to heart lead system 410.In addition or replace and to dispose the lead-in wire/electrode system of various other types though in Fig. 4, illustrate heart lead system 410.For example, lead-in wire/electrode system can comprise epicardial lead/electrode system, this system is included in the electrode beyond heart and/or the ventricle, such as heart cover, visceral pericardium paster and/or have below skin surface, but the subcutaneous system of the electrode of implanting beyond in the thoracic cavity.

The part that shows heart lead system 410 is inserted in patient's the heart.Lead system 410 comprise be positioned in one or more heart chamber, go up or on every side, be used for sensing from the signal of telecommunication of patient's heart and/or send the cardiac pacing/sensing electrode 451-456 of pacemaker impulse to heart.Can be used for sensing and/or pace-making are carried out in one or more chamber that comprises left ventricle, right ventricle, left atrium and/or right atrium of heart such as sensing/pacing electrode in the heart shown in Fig. 4.The CRM circuit is controlled sending the electric stimulation pulse of sending via electrode 451-456.Electric stimulation pulse can be used for guaranteeing heart with the sufficient speed of hemodynamics beat, can be used for improving heart beating synchronicity, can be used for increasing the intensity of heart beating and/or can be used for other physical therapy purposes to support and the consistent cardiac function of appointment physical therapy.

Lead system 410 can comprise and be used for removing heart fibrillation electrode 441,442 to what heart was sent heart fibrillation/cardioversion pulses.

Left ventricle lead-in wire 405 is incorporated in a plurality of electrode 454a-454d and 455 that are positioned all places in the coronary venous system that is close to left ventricle.A plurality of positions in left ventricle or stimulate ventricle that the heart output of increase can be provided in the patient who for example suffers heart failure (HF) in single selected location and/or other benefits can be provided.Can send electric stimulation pulse via selected electrode according to the timing sequence and the output configuration of cardiac function enhancing.Though Fig. 4 illustrates a plurality of left ventricular electrodes, in other configurations, in addition or replace can also be in right atrium, left atrium and right ventricle one or more in a plurality of electrodes are provided.

The part of the shell 401 of implantable devices 400 can be suitable for alternatively as one or more jar 481 or silent electrode 482.Shell 401 is illustrated as incorporates into as head portion 489, this head can be configured to help the dismountable type between one or more lead-in wire and shell 401 attached.The shell 401 of physiotherapy equipment 400 can comprise one or more cupping electrode 481.The head 489 of physiotherapy equipment 400 can comprise one or more silent electrode 482.Jar 481 and/or silent electrode 482 can be used for sending pace-making and/or going heart fibrillation to stimulate and/or so that the electric heart signal of sensing heart to heart.

Telecommunication circuit is arranged in the shell 401 so that help communicating by letter between CRM circuit and patient's external equipment such as external programmer or senior case control (APM) system.Physiotherapy equipment 400 also can comprise the metabolism needs that are used for the sensing patient and regulate the pacemaker impulse sent to heart sensor and the proper circuit with the metabolism needs that adapt to the patient.

In some embodiments, the APM system can be used for carrying out processes more discussed here, and these processes also comprise assessment, estimation, comparison, detection, select and upgrade except other processes.Method described herein, structure and/or technology can be incorporated the various methods relevant with APM into, these methods be included in separately by corresponding integral body quote be incorporated into this below with reference to the feature of describing in one or more of document: the 6th, 221, No. 011, the 6th, 270, No. 457, the 6th, 277, No. 072, the 6th, 280, No. 380, the 6th, 312, No. 378, the 6th, 336, No. 903, the 6th, 358, No. 203, the 6th, 368, No. 284, the 6th, 398, No. 728 and the 6th, 440, No. 066 United States Patent (USP).

In certain embodiments, physiotherapy equipment 600 can comprise and being used for via going heart fibrillation physical therapy and/or anti-tachycardias pace-making (ATP) to detect and treat the circuit of heart tachycardias.Provide the configuration of heart fibrillation ability can utilize heart fibrillation coil 441,442 to send high energy pulse to stop or the alleviation tachycardias to heart.

Use can be sent pacemaker impulse in a plurality of positions to atrium and/or ventricle such as the CRM equipment of a plurality of electrodes shown in here during cardiac cycle.Some patient can benefit from different time and activate the part of heart chamber such as ventricle so that to the zones of different distribution pumping load and/or the depolarization sequence of ventricle.The multi-electrode pacemaker has the ability of switching pacemaker impulse output in different heart cycle period in heart chamber between selected combination of electrodes.

Total United States Patent (USP) 6,772,008 incorporated herein by reference has been described about detecting the operable method and system of non-required tissue stimulation.Other circuit of the acceleration of can be for example moving by the muscle that uses accelerometer and/or sensing to show that the output with boost pulse coincide detect muscular irritation.

Other methods of measuring tissue stimulation can for example relate to uses electromyogram sensor (EMG), mike and/or other sensors.For example, can use mike the stimulation that automatically detects throat's muscle to be reacted in the activated expiration of non-required diaphragm due to electric diaphragm stimulation to detect the patient.

Can by sensing directly or indirect response detect non-required nerve or muscular irritation in the parameter that stimulates.Can for example use electro-neurogram (ENG) electrode and circuit to come the stimulation of the non-required nerve stimulation of direct sensing such as vagus nerve or phrenic nerves to measure and/or to write down neural peak value and/or the action potential in the nerve.The ENG sensor can comprise and is positioned on the interested nerve or near the nerve card skin (cuff) and/or the nerve electrode of other types.For example, the system and method that is used for directly measuring the neuron activation signal has been discussed quoting by corresponding integral body in the 4th, 573, No. 481 of being incorporated into this and the 5th, 658, No. 318 United States Patent (USP)s.ENG can comprise and is wound in nerve (for example, phrenic nerves) and be electrically connected to the spiral nerve electrode that is configured to measure neururgic circuit on every side.Nerve electrode and circuit are operated to detect neural electricity after applying electric stimulation pulse and are activated (action potential).

Can detect neuron activation in the alternate parameter of nerve stimulation by the sensing indirect response.Lung pressure, pleura pressure, breast pressure, airway pressure and breast impedance are in response to the stimulation of phrenic nerves and the parameter example that changes.In certain embodiments, can be during sending electricity irritation and/be right after the airway pressure of measuring the patient after sending electricity irritation.Detected pressure change can be relevant with the stimulation of phrenic nerves.

May increase iteratively, reduce or change voltage, electric current, persistent period, energy level and/or other physical therapy parameters between a series of test pulses and carry out non-required stimulus threshold and measure in some modes.One or more sensor can monitor non-required activation after and then sending each test pulse.Use these methods, the point identification in the time of parameter change can being caused non-required the stimulation is non-required stimulus threshold.

For example and unrestriction, can send the non-required stimulus threshold that the first test pulse measurement be used for the special electrodes combination by using the initial electrode combination.During sending each test pulse and/or afterwards, sensor can monitor non-required stimulation.For example, accelerometer can monitor transeptate following moving, and this moves and shows that test pulse stimulates phrenic nerves and/or diaphragm flesh.Do not stimulate if after sending test pulse, detect phrenic nerves and/or diaphragm flesh, then test pulse is increased predetermined quantity and send another test pulse.Repeating this scanning process of sending, monitor and increasing progressively stimulates until detecting phrenic nerves and/or diaphragm flesh.One or more test pulse parameter when detecting first non-required the stimulation can be regarded as non-required stimulus threshold.

Catch method with the diaphragm stimulus threshold though openly be used to measure heart here, various threshold values can be estimated rather than directly measure to imagination as shown in Figure 5.

The flowchart illustrations of Fig. 5 be used to estimate the process 500 of threshold value such as heart acquisition threshold or diaphragm stimulus threshold.This process 500 comprises the acquisition threshold of measuring the combination of 510 initial electrode.Can finish according to open or any acquisition threshold measuring method known in the art here and be used to measure 510 processes that are used for the acquisition threshold of initial electrode combination.

The process 500 of Fig. 5 also comprises the impedance of measuring the combination of 520 initial electrode.Can measure the impedance of initial electrode combination with the acquisition threshold measurement of initial electrode combination.

Can use any method that is used for measuring impedance at one or more combination of electrodes.Description is used for determining the technology of combination of electrodes impedance and an illustrative examples of circuit in the 6th, 076, No. 015 total United States Patent (USP) that is incorporated into this quoting by integral body.

According to this method, the measurement of impedance relates to the electricity irritation source, such as activator.The heart of activator between electrode sent electrical stimulation signal, measures the strobe sequence that stimulates such as current impulse or other.In response to the pumping signal that is provided by activator, response signal such as voltage response value are by the impedance detector circuits sense.According to voltage response value and the known current value measured, the impedance that can calculate combination of electrodes.

The process 500 of Fig. 5 also comprises the impedance of measuring 530 alternative combination of electrodes.Can substitute combination of electrodes repeated measure step 530 at a plurality of differences.

The process 500 of Fig. 5 also comprises the non-required activation threshold (for example, diaphragm stimulus threshold) of measuring the combination of 540 initial electrode.The process that is used to measure the non-required activation threshold of 540 initial electrode combination can be similar to the process of the acquisition threshold that is used to measure the combination of 510 initial electrode, and can finish simultaneously with the measurement 510 of the acquisition threshold of initial electrode combination.

The process 500 of Fig. 5 also comprises estimates that 550 substitute the acquisition threshold of combination of electrodes.Estimate that by the acquisition threshold of use initial electrode combination and the impedance of impedance and alternative combination of electrodes 550 substitute the acquisition threshold of combination of electrodes.

Estimate to be based on following hypothesis according to the acquisition threshold of the alternative combination of electrodes of embodiment more described herein:, be used for the acquisition threshold voltage of initial electrode combination and be used for substituting acquisition threshold voltage request current of equal, energy or the electric charge of combination of electrodes for given pulse width.Relation between acquisition threshold voltage that is used for each combination of electrodes and electric current can limit as follows according to Ohm's law:

V _th＝I _thZ [1]

Wherein, V _ThBe the acquisition threshold voltage of combination of electrodes, I _ThBe the acquisition threshold electric current of combination of electrodes, and Z is the impedance of combination of electrodes.

For the initial electrode combination, the relation between acquisition threshold voltage and electric current can be expressed as:

V _th-in＝I _th-inZ _in [2]

Wherein, V _Th-inBe the acquisition threshold voltage of initial electrode combination, I _Th-inBe the acquisition threshold electric current of initial electrode combination, and Z _InIt is the impedance of initial electrode combination.

For alternative combination of electrodes, the relation between acquisition threshold voltage and electric current can be expressed as:

V _th-ex＝I _th-exZ _ex [3]

Wherein, V _Th-exBe the acquisition threshold voltage that substitutes combination of electrodes, I _Th-exBe the acquisition threshold electric current that substitutes combination of electrodes, and Z _ExIt is the impedance that substitutes combination of electrodes.

Say that as previous institute in certain embodiments, the acquisition threshold electric current of two combination of electrodes of supposing to have common electrode is approximately equal, perhaps I _Th-in=I _Th-ex

Relation between alternative and initial acquisition threshold voltage can be expressed as then:

V_{th - ex} = \frac{V_{th - in}}{Z_{in}} Z_{ex} - - - [4]

According to generalized process above, V _Th-in, Z _InAnd Z _ExBe measurement parameter, and can estimate acquisition threshold voltage based on these measurement parameters.

If the combination of electrodes of measuring has and is its identical polarity of combination of electrodes of estimating acquisition threshold, then can increase the estimation accuracy in computation of the acquisition threshold that is used for the special electrodes combination.Be incorporated into this, in the 11/505th, No. 645 U.S. Patent application of submitting on August 17th, 2006, disclose the parameter estimation method that is used for that comprises that acquisition threshold estimates quoting by integral body.

The process 500 of Fig. 5 also comprises estimates that 560 substitute the non-required activation threshold of combination of electrodes.Non-required activation threshold can for example be the diaphragm stimulus threshold.Can estimate that 560 substitute the non-required activation threshold of combination of electrodes by the non-required activation threshold of use initial electrode combination and the impedance of impedance and alternative combination of electrodes.Can use and the non-required activation threshold of estimating 550 alternative combination of electrodes here as the similar method of estimation acquisition threshold of discussing and quoting.

Estimating threshold value (such as estimating acquisition threshold and/or non-required activation threshold) rather than measuring this threshold value to provide some advantages.For example, in some circumstances, can send one or more test pulse because need not for each combination of electrodes than finishing to a plurality of combination of electrodes measurements quickly for each combination of electrodes measurement threshold value in a plurality of combination of electrodes and estimating some threshold values.In addition, allow the patient experiences test pulse also may make us uncomfortable, it may be preferred therefore making test pulse number minimum.

Intensity-persistent period relation information of measuring or otherwise providing can be provided method and apparatus disclosed herein.

Catch by following pacemaker impulse generation, these pacemaker impulses have the propagation electricity depolarization wave front that abundant energy causes heart tissue to shrink with generation.In a general sense, the energy of pacemaker impulse is the product of these two energy parameters of persistent period of the amplitude of pacemaker impulse and pulse.Therefore, can be as shown in Figure 6 mark and draw the acquisition threshold voltage that be expressed in 610 in the pulse width range catching intensity-persistent period.

Non-required activation due to the pacemaker impulse also depends on pulse strength.Marking and drawing 620 at non-required activated diaphragm stimulus intensity-persistent period can have from the different qualities of catching intensity-persistent period and can have relation between pacemaker impulse voltage and pacemaker impulse width.

CRM equipment such as pacemaker can have by revising in pulse width and the pulse amplitude one or two regulates the ability that the pacemaker impulse energy is caught with generation.The identical change of pacemaker impulse energy can cause different the change when the identical physical therapy that is applied to use different combination of electrodes.Determine to catch intensity-persistent period and mark and draw 610 relations that except other aspects, can also assist between the restriction of sign device parameter, acquisition threshold and/or the diaphragm stimulus threshold.

Fig. 6 provides following curve chart, and these curve charts illustrate to activate with non-required diaphragm and related catches intensity-persistent period and mark and draw 610 and diaphragm stimulus intensity-persistent period plotting 620.Has pulse width W ₁Pacemaker impulse require pulse amplitude V _C1Catch with generation.Has pulse width W ₁With pulse amplitude V _C1Pacemaker impulse surpass and to be used for the activated voltage threshold V of non-required diaphragm _U1If pulse width increases to W ₂, then catch required voltage V _C2Be less than non-required diaphragm and activate required voltage V _U2Therefore, can according to W ₂Related pace-making energy V _C2Send pacemaker impulse and do not cause that so that catching of heart to be provided diaphragm stimulates.

Diaphragm stimulus intensity-persistent period mark and draw 620 with catch intensity-persistent period mark and draw between 610, catch intensity-persistent period mark and draw 610 and diaphragm stimulus intensity-persistent period area limitings of marking and drawing intersection point 651 the right of 620 produce the energy parameter value set of catching and avoid the diaphragm stimulation simultaneously.Pacemaker impulse in this zone produces the most desirable physical therapy reaction (not having catching of non-required stimulation).

Can by send with various amplitudes and pulse width a plurality of test pulses and assessment whether occur heart catch with non-required stimulation generate Fig. 6 catch intensity-persistent period mark and draw 610 and diaphragm stimulus intensity-persistent period mark and draw 620.Then can by for example based on the interpolation of exponential fitting and extrapolation finish catch intensity-persistent period mark and draw 610 and diaphragm stimulus intensity-persistent period mark and draw 620 curves.Such method can make for fully characterize pulse parameter and stimulate between relation and the test pulse number minimum that needs makes battery consumption and makes us uncomfortable test minimum thus.

Extrapolation and interpolation also can allow equipment itself be programmed or the scope that can carry out beyond characterize at the particular device configuration in the relation between pulse parameter and the stimulation.

Dashed

curve

640 and 680 illustrates the restriction of capacity of equipment pacing parameter.Maximum curve 640 illustrates the ceiling capacity output (based on pulse amplitude and width parameter) that equipment can be sent.Maximum curve 640 has showed that the pulse parameter at particular device is compromise when attempting sending the energy of most probable number---sacrifice pulse amplitude in the hope of bigger pulse width.

Minima curve 680 illustrates the least energy output (based on pulse amplitude and width parameter) that equipment can be sent.Equipment can be sent the pulse in its amplitude and the zone of pulse width parameter between

curve

640 and 680.

As shown in Figure 6, particular device may not be sent and have the pacemaker impulse of will catch the target heart tissue and not causing any specific amplitude/width parameter of non-required stimulation.

Generally wish not cause between the pacemaker impulse parameter area of non-required stimulation and the pacemaker impulse parameter area that in fact particular device can be sent to have the overlapping of maximum, because the lap reflection can be used for realizing estimating the relative varied number of the parameter of physical therapy achievement catching the target heart tissue.

Method and apparatus discussed here can help to understand the relation between device parameter restriction, acquisition threshold and/or diaphragm stimulus threshold and optimize physical therapy.For example, the generation of the plotting of Fig. 6 can allow to come relatively not cause catching the target heart tissue overlapping between the pulse parameter scope of non-required stimulation and the pulse parameter scope that in fact particular device can be sent at distinct device configuration.Doctor's (perhaps program) can select to use the equipment of lap maximum (for example to dispose, the combination of electrodes corresponding) with vector, may be because should dispose corresponding to the configuration of flexibility ratio quantity maximum in operation, because realize the possible parameter area maximum of required physical therapy achievement.

The relation that is based upon between device parameter restriction, acquisition threshold and/or the diaphragm stimulus threshold also can the assisted Selection pacing parameter.For example, when selecting pulse width parameter, the doctor can check and the similar pulse width of marking and drawing with selecting range scope maximum of the plotting of Fig. 6 that this scope is by maximum device parameter curve 640, minimum device parameter curve 680, non-required activation threshold curve 620 and/or 610 restrictions of acquisition threshold curve.Similarly, can come the strobe pulse range parameter based on the maximum pulse scope in which pulse amplitude and maximum device parameter curve 640, minimum device parameter curve 680, non-required activation threshold curve 620 and/or the acquisition threshold curve 610 is corresponding.In this way parameter is selected can be by human or automatically undertaken by the processor of execution of program instructions.

Be incorporated into this, in the publication number that JIUYUE in 2006 was submitted on the 14th is 2008/0071318 U.S. Patent application, described and be used for determining and the method and system of working strength-persistent period relation quoting by integral body.

Fig. 6 also illustrates the program parameters restriction 690 that limits minimum and maximum pulse width and amplitude, and equipment is programmed to operation in these restrictions.Various automation equipment features can be such as utilizing automatic prize procedure automatically to change pulse parameter to regulate various conditions.The doctor can implement program parameters restriction 690 and parameter automatically is not adjusted to the level that can be detrimental to patient care with assurance equipment, such as using up battery prematurely or the level of the risk that causes non-required stimulation being arranged.

Can when implanting, equipment programme in advance or setting based on detected threshold level to program parameters restriction 690.If embodiments of the invention are identified at program parameters restriction 690, catch intensity-persistent period marks and draws 610 and mark and draw variable relation between 620 with diaphragm stimulus intensity-persistent period, then can be for example automatically or notifying the doctor to regulate program parameters after changing limit 690.The adjusting of program parameters restriction 690 can increase the maximum impulse amplitude, reduces the maximum impulse amplitude, increases the minimum pulse amplitude, reduces the minimum pulse amplitude, increases the maximum impulse persistent period, reduces the maximum impulse persistent period, increases minimum pulse duration and/or reduce minimum pulse duration.By this way, can in the

parameter limit

640 and 680 that equipment can be sent, make program parameters limited field (for example amplitude range) broaden, narrow down and/or be shifted by reprogramming.Can be similarly to discussing here or other pulse parameters restriction reprogrammings of known other pulse parameters otherwise.

In some embodiments of the invention, the sign of the variable relation between threshold value and programming pulse restriction can be made amendment to the automation process (for example automatic scam) of using pulse parameter increment and/or scanning technique.For example, will reduce in time with detected diaphragm stimulus threshold minimizing is corresponding if diaphragm stimulus intensity-persistent period marks and draws 620, then prize procedure can limit in program parameters and use more small parameter increment when operating in 690 automatically.Replace, will increase in time with detected diaphragm stimulus threshold increase is corresponding if diaphragm stimulus intensity-persistent period marks and draws 620, then catching parameter increase automatically can increase.It is minimum that the increment increase can help faster sign threshold value etc. that test pulse is sent.The increment minimizing can allow more careful and scanning completely.Increase or reduce pulse increment in response to the relation between program parameters restriction and threshold value changes and can optimize the automation equipment function apace, balance safety, effect and battery consumption are considered simultaneously.The change of parameter increase can automatically be carried out when detecting program parameters restriction and relation between the threshold value changes and/or implemented when the relation of checking and identifying changes relevant information by the doctor by equipment.

In certain embodiments, can identify and upgrade acquisition threshold and/or diaphragm stimulus threshold termly.If there is the parameter interval of some quantity between program parameters restriction and one or two threshold values, then equipment can not tested so continually again with sign acquisition threshold and/or diaphragm stimulus threshold.This interval can be the pre-programmed margin of safety between threshold value and program parameters restriction.If detected threshold value is designated in the parameter interval (for example, above margin of safety), then equipment can increase the frequency of its test threshold.Increase and/or reduce that test frequency can make battery consumption and to make us uncomfortable test minimum based on the adjacency of detected threshold value and program parameters restriction, balance safety and effect are considered (promptly simultaneously, when threshold value may will enter when testing more continually in the program parameters restriction, and when big nargin be present in threshold value and programming limit between the time do not test so continually).

The flowchart illustrations of Fig. 7 be used for except other aspects, also diaphragm being stimulated algorithm to be used to identify and characterization device parameter limit, acquisition threshold and/or diaphragm stimulus threshold between the process 700 of relation.Process 700 comprises starting 710 catches/threshold testing and initial pacing parameter is set.Initial pacing parameter setting can for example be equipment minimum radius, equipment minimum pulse width, equipment minimum pulse electric current, previous acquisition threshold or its some combinations of determining.Process 700 also comprises uses current pacing parameter setting to send 720 at least one pacemaker impulse.If carry out step 720 first, then current pacing parameter setting can be initial pacing parameter setting.In addition, current pacing parameter setting can be the different parameter value of parameter value (for example, pulse amplitude) with the initial setting up value.

After sending 720 at least one pacemaker impulse, can obtain 730 diaphragms thorn sensor signal.Such diaphragm sensor signal can be to detect any signal that any sensor produced that diaphragm stimulates.Assess 740 diaphragm sensor signal then.Whether assessment 740 can be used for determining sending 720 pacemaker impulse stimulates phrenic nerves or causes that otherwise diaphragm moves.Stimulate if detect 750 diaphragms, then store 760 diaphragm stimulus threshold/facility informations.Such information can reflect that diaphragm stimulus threshold (PST) is less than the maximum parameter value of equipment, and if correspondingly be provided with and increase the parameter setting then can equal device parameter minima or acquisition threshold.

Do not stimulate if detect 750 diaphragms, determine then whether the pacing parameter setting is arranged at maximum 770.During the preceding several iteration of process 700, pacing parameter setting can not be arranged at maximum 770, and process 700 increases progressively 790 current pacemaker impulse parameters and turns back to and uses current pacing parameter setting to send 720 at least one more a lot of pulse of fighting in this case.In this way, process 700 can repeating step 720-730-740-750-770-790, thereby all increases the pacemaker impulse parameter with scan mode when the each iteration, reaches maximum 770 until sign 750-760 diaphragm stimulus threshold or pacing parameter setting.

If the pacing parameter setting increases progressively 790 to maximum 770, then process 700 is stored 780 diaphragm stimulus threshold/facility informations.Such diaphragm stimulus threshold/facility information can reflect that PST is greater than the setting of maximum device parameter.

The acquisition threshold and/or the PST that are used for the special electrodes combination can change in time owing to various physiologic effect.Can be termly or implement acquisition threshold and the PST that test is used for the special electrodes combination as requested, to guarantee that the information about the relation between device parameter restriction, acquisition threshold and/or the diaphragm stimulus threshold is current.

The flowchart illustrations of Fig. 8 be used for except other aspects, also diaphragm being stimulated algorithm to be used to identify and characterization device parameter limit, acquisition threshold and/or diaphragm stimulus threshold between the process 800 of relation.Process 800 comprises starting 810 catches/threshold testing and initial pacing parameter is set.Initial pacing parameter setting can for example be equipment amplitude peak, equipment maximum pulse, equipment maximum surge current, previous threshold value or its some combinations of determining.Process 800 also comprises uses current pacing parameter setting to send 820 at least one pacemaker impulse.If carry out step 820 first, then current pacing parameter setting can be initial pacing parameter setting.Otherwise current pacing parameter setting can be the different parameter value of parameter value (for example, pulse width) with the initial setting up value.

After sending 820 at least one pacemaker impulse, can obtain 830 diaphragm sensor signal.Such diaphragm sensor signal can be to detect any signal that any sensor produced that diaphragm stimulates.Assess 840 diaphragm sensor signal then.Whether assessment 840 can be used for determining sending 820 pacemaker impulse stimulates phrenic nerves.Stimulate if detect 850 diaphragms, then store 860 diaphragm stimulus threshold/facility informations.Such information can reflect that PST is greater than or equal to the maximum parameter value of equipment.

Do not stimulate if detect 850 diaphragms, determine then whether the pacing parameter setting is arranged at minima and/or acquisition threshold 870.During the preceding several iteration of process 800, pacing parameter setting can not be arranged at minima or acquisition threshold 870, and successively decrease 890 current pacemaker impulse parameters and turn back to and use current pacing parameter setting to send 820 at least one more a lot of pulse of fighting of process 800 in this case.In this way, process 800 can repeating step 820-830-840-850-870-890, thereby all reduce the pacemaker impulse parameter with scan mode when the each iteration, reach equipment minimum and/or acquisition threshold 870 until sign 850-860 diaphragm stimulus threshold or pacing parameter setting.In certain embodiments, may wish not scan the diaphragm stimulus threshold below acquisition threshold, may be dangerous because lose at test period that heart tissue catches.

If the pacing parameter setting successively decreases 890 to equipment minimum and/or acquisition threshold 870, then process 800 is stored 880 diaphragm stimulus threshold/facility informations.Such diaphragm stimulus threshold/facility information can reflect that PST is less than minimum device parameter setting and/or heart acquisition threshold.If test can't identify and avoid diaphragm to stimulate to the pacing parameter that generation is caught, then can pass on to external equipment and report to the police to alarm to system or doctor via telecommunication circuit.

The flowchart illustrations of Fig. 9 be used for except other aspects, also diaphragm being stimulated algorithm to be used to identify and characterization device parameter limit, acquisition threshold and/or diaphragm stimulus threshold between the process 900 of relation.Process 900 comprises starting 910 catches/threshold testing and initial pacing parameter is set.Initial pacing parameter setting can for example be equipment amplitude peak, equipment maximum pulse, equipment maximum surge current, previous threshold value or its some combinations of determining.Process 900 also comprises uses current pacing parameter setting to send 920 at least one pacemaker impulse.If carry out step 920 first, then current pacing parameter setting can be initial pacing parameter setting.Otherwise current pacing parameter setting can be the different parameter value of parameter value (for example, pulse amplitude) with the initial setting up value.

After sending 920 at least one pacemaker impulse, can obtain 930 diaphragm sensor signal and heart sensor signal.Such diaphragm and heart sensor signal can be to detect any signal that sensor produced that diaphragm stimulates or the detection heart is caught.Assess 940 diaphragm sensor signal and heart sensor signal then.Assessment 940 can be used for determining that 945 send 920 pacemaker impulse and whether stimulate phrenic nerves.Stimulate if detect 945 diaphragms, then whether process 900 is determined to lose during sending 920 one or more pacemaker impulses and is caught 946.

Catch 946 if detect diaphragm stimulation 945 and lose heart, then can store 970 hearts and catch and diaphragm stimulus threshold/facility information.Such information can reflect that diaphragm stimulus threshold PST is less than acquisition threshold.

If detecting 945 diaphragms stimulates and does not detect to lose and catch 946, the 980 current pacemaker impulse parameters of then successively decreasing.For example, if the pacemaker impulse parameter is a pulse width, the then current pulse width 980 one-tenth more short pulse widths that can successively decrease.Can successively decrease similarly (perhaps progressively increasing among the embodiment) pulse amplitude, frequency and/or current pulse parameter to increasing progressively.

Stimulate if detect 945 diaphragms, process 900 determines whether to detect 950 and loses and catch.Do not stimulate and detect 950 and lose and catch if detect 945 diaphragms, then store 960 and catch and diaphragm stimulus threshold/facility information.Such information can show that the diaphragm stimulus threshold is greater than or equal to acquisition threshold.

In this way, process 900 can repeating step 920-930-940-945-946-980 or step 920-930-940-945-950, thereby reduce the pacemaker impulse parameter when the each iteration with scan mode, relation (for example, PST 〉=acquisition threshold or PST＜acquisition threshold) between sign diaphragm stimulus threshold and acquisition threshold.Such process allows to scan simultaneously diaphragm stimulus threshold and heart acquisition threshold.These parameters are searched for together with finishing test individually compare and make the pulse number minimum that need send, thus save battery power and make patient's sense of discomfort minimum.Scanning also makes equipment minimum in order to test the total time essential to set up these threshold values in the time of in this way.

Process 700,800 and 900 and additive method discussed here can be when implanting by the doctor, when detecting condition changing and/or termly, start.Condition changing that can start-up course for example comprise lose catch, attitude changes, morbid state changes, detect the short-term or long-term change of non-physical therapy activation and/or patient's active state.

The restriction of illustrated 700,800 and 900 device parameter and other device parameters restrictions discussed here can be program parameters restriction or the maximum/minimum pulse parameter value corresponding parameters restriction that can send with pacing system.

Be used to upgrade acquisition threshold, diaphragm stimulus threshold and device relationships information regularly and/or the test that according to condition starts can be used to monitor otherwise can be apparent, but confirm to should be noted that and/or some condition that physical therapy changes.Equipment and/or physiological change can change the effect of pacemaker impulse.For example, part of appliance defective, lead-in wire migration, electrode package and/or physiological change may increase in order to produce the pacemaker impulse amplitude of catching and needing reliably and/or to reduce the pacemaker impulse amplitude that needs in order to stimulate phrenic nerves, make us not accommodating invalid pace-making physical therapy thereby cause.Acquisition threshold, diaphragm stimulus threshold and the device relationships information of upgrading can be used for automatically physiotherapy equipment reprogramming and/or warning doctor being reconfigured physiotherapy equipment.

Can use be configured to carry out each process discussed here individual equipment embodiment (for example, the equipment of Fig. 2 and Fig. 4) the various processes that illustrate here and/or describe (for example, the process of Fig. 1, Fig. 5, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 and the process related) with Fig. 6.

Here the parts of describing, function and structure configuration be intended to provide to can be incorporated into implantable pacemaker/go in the heart fibrillation device various features and the understanding of characteristics combination.Understand extensive multiple cardiac monitoring and/or the stimulation apparatus configuration of imagination from relative complex to relative simple designs.Like this, specific heart equipment configuration can comprise as special characteristic described herein, and other such equipment configurations can be got rid of special characteristic described herein.

Can carry out various modifications and interpolation to preferred embodiment discussed above and do not depart from the scope of the present invention.Thereby scope of the present invention is not limited by above-mentioned specific embodiment should, but should only be limited by appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. method comprises:

Use cardiac pacing equipment to send a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses, change between the sending of at least some pulses of the pacing parameter of described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses in described pulse;

Assess one or more sensor signal to detect one or more cardiac pacing pulse in described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulse to the stimulation of phrenic nerves; And

The described pacing parameter of the assessment of described one or more sensor signal and one or more cardiac pacing pulse in described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulse is compared to determine that whether the diaphragm stimulus threshold is to be higher than the maximum device parameter and to be lower than in the minimum device parameter at least one.

2. method according to claim 1, wherein said maximum device parameter is the amplitude peak or the width of the described cardiac pacing equipment pacemaker impulse that is programmed to send, and described minimum device parameter is the minimum radius or the width of the described cardiac pacing equipment pacemaker impulse that is programmed to send.

3. method according to claim 1, wherein send pacemaker impulse amplitude or width parameter that described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulse is included between the sending of described at least some pulses increases one or more cardiac pacing pulse that is used for described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses, at least one diaphragm stimulus threshold in detecting described diaphragm stimulus threshold and send cardiac pacing pulse with amplitude peak or width that described equipment is programmed to send.

4. method according to claim 1, wherein sending described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulse comprises and sends its amplitude or width parameter at described heart acquisition threshold or the initial pacemaker impulse on described heart acquisition threshold, and between the sending of described at least some pulses, increase the described pacemaker impulse amplitude or the width of one or more cardiac pacing pulse that is used for described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses, at least one diaphragm stimulus threshold in detecting described diaphragm stimulus threshold and send cardiac pacing pulse with amplitude peak or width that described equipment is programmed to send.

5. method according to claim 1, wherein sending described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulse comprises and sends its amplitude or width is the initial pacemaker impulse of programming device minima, and between the sending of described at least some pulses, increase the described pacemaker impulse amplitude or the width of one or more cardiac pacing pulse that is used for described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses, at least one diaphragm stimulus threshold in detecting described diaphragm stimulus threshold and send cardiac pacing pulse with amplitude peak or width that described equipment is programmed to send.

6. method according to claim 1, wherein send described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulse and be included between the sending of described at least some pulses pacemaker impulse amplitude or the width parameter that reduces one or more cardiac pacing pulse that is used for described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses, be reduced to described heart acquisition threshold that described equipment is programmed to send and at least one in described minimum equipment amplitude or the width until described pacemaker impulse amplitude or width parameter.

7. method according to claim 1, also comprise based on determining that described diaphragm stimulus threshold is to be higher than described maximum device parameter and to be lower than in the described minimum device parameter at least one, to one or two reprogrammings in described maximum device parameter and the described minimum device parameter.

8. method according to claim 1, also comprise and set up the parameter area restriction that comprises described maximum device parameter and described minimum device parameter, wherein send at least one cardiac pacing pulse in described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses of its pacing parameter beyond described parameter area restriction.

9. method according to claim 8, also comprise the comparison that the described pacing parameter based on described at least one cardiac pacing pulse beyond described parameter area restriction to the assessment of described one or more sensor signal and described pacing parameter carries out, change described parameter area restriction.

10. method according to claim 1, also comprise the comparison of carrying out based on described pacing parameter, change in increment value and the decrement value one or two at the described pacing parameter of the described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses that change between the sending of described at least some pulses in described pulse to the assessment of described one or more sensor signal and one or more cardiac pacing pulse in described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulse.

11. method according to claim 1, also comprise the comparison of carrying out based on described pacing parameter, be identified at the relativeness between each described diaphragm stimulus threshold, described maximum device parameter, described minimum device parameter and the described heart acquisition threshold the assessment of described one or more sensor signal and one or more cardiac pacing pulse in described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulse.

12. method according to claim 9, also comprise pulse amplitude or width parameter scope that selection is used to send the pacemaker impulse related with physical therapy, the selection of described pulse amplitude or width parameter scope is based on the relation between described diaphragm stimulus threshold, described maximum device parameter, described minimum device parameter and described heart acquisition threshold of described sign.

13. a heart rate management system comprises:

Implantable cardiac pace-making equipment has a plurality of electrodes;

Circuit is configured to export a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses and revise one or more pacing parameters of described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses by described electrode;

One or more sensor, being configured to one or more pacemaker impulse in the described a plurality of pacemaker impulses of sensing stimulates to the stimulation of phrenic nerves and based on the diaphragm of described sensing one or more signal is provided; And

Controller, be configured to the instruction of program stored in the execute store so that described system to described one or more signal and described one or more pacing parameter compare with determine the diaphragm stimulus threshold whether be higher than maximum cardiac pacing parameter be lower than in the minimum cardiac pacing parameter at least one, and determine to come stored information based on described.

14. heart rate management system according to claim 13, wherein said maximum cardiac pacing parameter is maximum pacemaker impulse amplitude or the width that described cardiac pacing equipment is programmed to send, and described minimum cardiac pacing parameter is minimum pacemaker impulse amplitude or width that described cardiac pacing equipment is programmed to send.

15. heart rate management system according to claim 13, wherein said controller also is configured to carry out the program stored instruction so that increase the pacemaker impulse amplitude or the width parameter of one or more cardiac pacing pulse that is used for described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses between the sending of at least some cardiac pacing pulses of described system in described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses, at least one diaphragm stimulus threshold in detecting described diaphragm stimulus threshold and send cardiac pacing pulse with amplitude peak or width that described cardiac pacing equipment is programmed to send.

16. heart rate management system according to claim 13, wherein said controller also is configured to carry out program stored instruction so that amplitude or width are sent at described heart acquisition threshold or the initial pacemaker impulse more than described heart acquisition threshold by described electrode by described system, and increase the described pacemaker impulse amplitude or the width of one or more cardiac pacing pulse that is used for described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses between the sending of at least some cardiac pacing pulses in described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses, at least one diaphragm stimulus threshold in detecting described diaphragm stimulus threshold and send cardiac pacing pulse with amplitude peak or width that described cardiac pacing equipment is programmed to send.

17. heart rate management system according to claim 13, wherein said controller also is configured to carry out the program stored instruction so that amplitude is sent by described system or width is the initial pacemaker impulse of programming minimum level, and increase the described pacemaker impulse amplitude or the width of one or more cardiac pacing pulse that is used for described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses between the sending of at least some cardiac pacing pulses in described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses, at least one diaphragm stimulus threshold in detecting described diaphragm stimulus threshold and send cardiac pacing pulse with amplitude peak or width that described cardiac pacing equipment is programmed to send.

18. heart rate management system according to claim 13; Wherein said controller also is configured to carry out the programmed instruction of storage so that reduce pacemaker impulse amplitude or the width parameter of one or more cardiac pacing pulse that is used for described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses between the sending of at least some cardiac pacing pulses of described system in described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses, until described pacemaker impulse amplitude or width parameter are reduced to described heart acquisition threshold that described cardiac pacing equipment is programmed to send and at least one in described minimum cardiac pacing amplitude or the width parameter.

19. heart rate management system according to claim 13, wherein said controller also are configured to carry out the program stored instruction so that the relativeness of described system banner between each described diaphragm stimulus threshold, described maximum cardiac pacing parameter, described minimum cardiac pacing parameter and described heart acquisition threshold.

20. heart rate management system according to claim 19, wherein said controller also is configured to carry out the program stored instruction so that the pulse amplitude or the width parameter scope that are used to send the cardiac pacing pulse related with physical therapy selected by described system, and the selection of described pulse amplitude or width parameter scope is based on the relation between described diaphragm stimulus threshold, described maximum cardiac pacing parameter, described minimum cardiac pacing parameter and described heart acquisition threshold of described sign.

21. heart rate management system according to claim 13, wherein said controller also be configured to carry out the program stored instruction so that described system based on determining that described diaphragm stimulus threshold is to be higher than described maximum cardiac pacing parameter and to be lower than in the described minimum cardiac pacing parameter at least one, to one or two reprogrammings in described maximum cardiac pacing parameter and the described minimum cardiac pacing parameter.

22. heart rate management system according to claim 13, wherein said controller also is configured to carry out the program stored instruction so that the parameter area restriction of described maximum cardiac pacing parameter and described minimum cardiac pacing parameter is selected to comprise by described system, and sends at least one cardiac pacing pulse in described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses of its pacing parameter beyond described parameter area restriction.

23. heart rate management system according to claim 22, wherein said controller also is configured to carry out the program stored instruction so that described system based on the comparison that the described pacing parameter to described one or more sensor signal and described at least one cardiac pacing pulse of described pacing parameter beyond described parameter area restriction carries out, changes described parameter area and limits.

24. heart rate management system according to claim 13, wherein said controller also is configured to carry out the program stored instruction so that the comparison that described system carries out based on the described pacing parameter to the assessment of described one or more sensor signal and one or more cardiac pacing pulse in described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulse, at the described pacing parameter change increment value of the described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses that change between the sending of at least some pulses in described pulse and in the decrement value one or two.

25. a heart rate management system comprises:

Implantable cardiac pace-making equipment has a plurality of electrodes;

Be used for sending a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses and revising the device of one or more pacing parameter of described a plurality of cardiac pacing pulses by described a plurality of electrodes;

One or more pacemaker impulse that is used for the described a plurality of pacemaker impulses of sensing stimulates the device that one or more signal is provided to the stimulation of phrenic nerves and based on the diaphragm of described sensing; And

Be used for the assessment of described one or more sensor signal and described one or more pacing parameter are compared to determine that whether the diaphragm stimulus threshold is at least one the device that is higher than maximum programming device parameter and is lower than minimum programming device parameter.